WIN: tickets and goody bag to Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Sunderland Empire

A scene from the tour

Published:17:50Wednesday 22 July 2015

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Have you got a curious cat? A puzzling pooch? Or even an inquisitive iguana?

If so, your pet could bag you a top prize with Sunderland Empire.

A scene from the tour

Ahead of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time arriving in the city next month, we’ve teamed up with the theatre to give away three pairs of tickets and three Curious goody bags, which include: a Curious-themed dog collar, the book the show is based upon, pencils, fridge magnet and badge.

The National Theatre’s award-winning production is coming to Sunderland as part of its UK tour, while it still runs to critical acclaim in the West End.

Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel received seven Olivier Awards in 2013 including Best New Play, Best Director, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design. It also won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre and has been seen by over 200,000 people in the West End.

The show is directed by Marianne Elliott, who co-directed the National Theatre’s record-breaking production of War Horse, one of the most popular shows to have been staged at the Empire.

A scene from the tour

Curious tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher, who is introduced to us standing beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog.

It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion.

The unlikely hero, who is on the autistic spectrum, records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, and is exceptional at maths, but is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life.

He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

To coincide with the show, the Empire last week announced that it has teamed up with other city venues to stage a series of autism family-friendly activities.

Highlights include an Insight Session on August 13 at 11am. Participants will have the chance to learn about the production followed by tickets to see the show, which is a relaxed performance for those with autism.

There will also be a five-day family learning programme, Curious About Devising, from August 17 - 21, which includes ‘Curious’ themed workshops for families, with the opportunity to meet other families and get curious about ‘devising’ theatre. To book contact Tel. 566 1056.

•Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is at Sunderland Empire from August 11-15. Tickets are available to purchase in person at the Box Office, via the booking online on 0844 871 3022 or www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland.

•To be in with a chance of winning one of three pairs of tickets and a doggy goody bag, email a picture of your pet and your contact details to Katy.Wheeler@jpress.co.uk or tweet your pictures to @sunechokaty. Closing date: July 30.